The myths about beauty that can be more than skin deep

While magazines, television and even Twitter bombard us with information about staying beautiful, it's often the quirky tales passed on by your mother that you recite to yourself in the bathroom mirror each night.

But when facts and fairytales blur, your skin can be the victim.

"On the whole, the advice shared by generations of women providing tried and trusted cures has held us in good stead," says Sally Penford, education manager at The International Dermal Institute.

"In today's world, the basis of these cures is still evident. You can find them, or their active properties, in advanced skincare formulations and they allow us to have an arsenal of sophisticated remedies."

Sally reveals whether the beauty wisdom of old still holds true

Apply warm vegetable oil on dry cracked skin. "This will certainly help soften the skin," Sally says. "Sweet almond oil is one of the most common oils to use. It is a light oil that contains vitamins and minerals, proteins and glycosides. Good for most skin types, and especially useful for dry and itchy skin."

Eating chocolate gives you spots. "No it doesn't – thank goodness!" Sally reassures.

If you have oily skin, you shouldn't wear a moisturiser. "Not true, all skin types need the added protection moisturisers provide," says Sally. "There are some fantastic oil-free, oil-absorbing moisturisers packed with antioxidants and antibacterial ingredients which can help heal and prevent future breakouts."

Your skin will age like your mother's. "If your mum's skin is great then you'd hope so. The reality is that genetics will determine factors such as your skin colour and skin type, but can only take

credit for approximately 10 per cent of your skin ageing," explains Sally.

Petroleum jelly makes your eyelashes grow. "No, it doesn't. It can, however, give you puffy eyes," Sally warns.